When someone says you should “shine your light,” what comes to mind? -Helping someone in need? -Talking about Jesus? -Doing your best? What about being honest about how dependent you are on God? If he’s our Teacher, then it follows that we need teaching. If he’s our Healer, then it follows that we need healing. … Continue reading Honest about how dependent you are
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Having it all
Yesterday I highlighted something that can rob us of our contentment: always being reminded of what others have (but we don’t). We can sometimes feel bitter when think other people have better stuff, better experiences, better relationships, and better everything. But when you focus on what you DO have you’re less likely to be downcast … Continue reading Having it all
Being a spiritual billionaire
Something that robs us of our contentment is always being reminded of what others have (but we don’t). It has to do with envy, which Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung describes as “feeling bitter when others have it better.”* Can you relate? Come on, be honest. We can sometimes feel bitter when think other people have better … Continue reading Being a spiritual billionaire
Blending in and fading away
You’re right. Your faith in Jesus makes you stand out. You’re different. To some degree, you will also suffer for it. Your reputation will suffer, you may miss out on certain opportunities, people will exclude you, you’ll get criticized… Because of that, it can be tempting to play down or ignore your faith—in part, or … Continue reading Blending in and fading away
Becoming less busy
“Busyness” is a strange thing these days. On one hand, some people subconsciously take pride in telling others they’re “busy” because it projects the idea that they’re important. When one person asks another how they’re doing they often reply, “Good—busy, but good,” when in reality they’re no more busy than everyone else—but it just seems … Continue reading Becoming less busy
That same God
Check this out: --“And God said, ‘Let there be light’…” (Genesis 1:3) --“The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country…” (Genesis 12:1) --“God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” (Exodus 3:4) --“Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm…” (Job 38:1) --“Then [Isaiah] heard the voice of the … Continue reading That same God
The Triangle of Discernment
Have you ever asked God for sign? After all, life overflows with difficult decisions, ambiguous pathways, and sundry uncertainties. That’s why asking God for some kind of clarity or confirmation can be so enticing! There’s good news: God has already given us direction about how to clarify his will for our lives. Let me suggest … Continue reading The Triangle of Discernment
The furniture of our lives
This is what Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Recently I was reading a word by John Chrysostom that is over 1600 years old. It’s a beautiful commentary on … Continue reading The furniture of our lives
An accurate view of yourself
Some people have too HIGH a view of themselves. They think they’re always right and others are always wrong. They think it’s a privilege for you just to be in their presence. They think they’re the best thing since sliced bread. Others have a too LOW a view of themselves. They think they’re good for … Continue reading An accurate view of yourself
A willing spirit
In Psalm 51:10 David asks God to renew him. Then in verse 12 (CSB) he says, “sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.” The idea of a "willing spirit" resonates with me because it’s something I also want… especially on those days when my spirit is stubbornly UN-willing! An UN-willing spirit neglects God, neglects … Continue reading A willing spirit
